News

Your Guide To Alabama’s 2020 Constitutional Amendments

Changes to voting, the judicial system and the Alabama Constitution itself are on the ballot.

County Commission Votes To Open The Courthouses For Saturday Absentee Voting

The Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously Friday to open the courthouses in Birmingham and Bessemer for in-person absentee voting.

The Census Counting Is Done, But The Result Is Unknown

Officials note a 99.9% response rate for Alabama. What's behind that number is tricky.

Voters Answer Call To Become First-Time Poll Workers

As uncertainty around the November 3rd election looms, election officials and dozens of non-partisan organizations are recruiting poll workers.

Will COVID Cancel Halloween? Not Necessarily.

Public health leaders say Halloween celebrations can happen, but with adjustments.

Federal Court Says ID, Witnesses Required For Absentee Voting

To vote absentee you must now provide a photo ID and have the signatures of two witnesses or a notary.

Jefferson County Election Officials Consider Offering Absentee Voting On A Weekend

"The volume of absentee voting that we're seeing is truly unprecedented and we're doing it in the midst of a pandemic," said Jefferson County Probate Judge James Naftel.

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Redesigns To Handle Throngs Of Voters

It was a working weekend of those in the clerk’s office as they set the stage for what they hope is a more efficient processing of in-person absentee voters.

Secretary of State Intervenes As Frustration Mounts Among Jefferson County Voters

The Alabama Secretary of State's Office created a new plan to help Jefferson County with its long absentee voting lines and understaffing, but specifics of the plan remain unclear.

Municipalities In Jefferson County Elect New Mayors In Runoffs

The cities of Homewood and Center Point have named new mayors. Meanwhile, the city of Fairfield has reelected its mayor after a runoff election.

UAB Looking For A Variety Of Patients For COVID-19 Clinical Trials

UAB is offering both inpatient and outpatient COVID-19 trials ranging from vaccines to treatments that hope to weaken the effects of the virus.

Nonprofits Adapt To Harsh Financial Conditions After Birmingham Budget Cuts

The city of Birmingham's newly passed 2021 fiscal budget is nearly $50 million smaller than last year. Among the numerous budget cuts was funding to external nonprofits.

With Voters More Polarized, Alabama Straight Ticket Voting Expected to Increase

Alabama is one of six states that still allows straight ticket voting, and it is increasingly popular.

Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Has Lifelong Passion For Education

Longtime educator Mark Sullivan is the new leader of Birmingham City Schools. He's no stranger to the school system and many hope that will keep him around longer than his predecessors.

What You Can Do About Election Disinformation

Disinformation this election is not just about Russia. But there are ways to be on guard.

State Republicans Criticize Doug Jones For Opposing Supreme Court Nominee

Republican party leaders say Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is making Alabama look weak by refusing to meet with Supreme Court nominee Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Birmingham Passes “Phantom” Budget, Unchanged From Woodfin’s Proposal

The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall Woodfin’s proposed 2021 city budget this week. The $412 million budget includes nearly 250 indefinite furloughs with more than half coming from the city’s library system.

Jones Hopes To Defy Political Odds Again

Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in deeply conservative Alabama in 2017. He maintains he can do it again in November.

Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order

Alabama's mask mandate will remain in place through Nov. 8.

City Leaders Approve Budget Despite Concerns About Library System

Demonstrators gathered outside Birmingham's city hall Tuesday night, just hours before council members approved a budget that furloughs more than 150 library employees.

‘The Whole South Goes Dark’: What Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death Could Mean For Abortion Access

The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has brought about concerns over reproductive rights. Some worry that if President Trump's Supreme Court Justice nominee is approved that access to abortion will grow even narrower, especially in the south.

Remembering A Life Lost To COVID-19 Behind Bars

Hershell Moon came from a big family and served in the Vietnam War. He was incarcerated at St. Clair prison when he died from COVID-19 in June.

‘Be Like Pearl’: A Woman So Admired She Inspired New Year’s Resolutions Was Felled By COVID-19

Pearl Slay is one of more than 2,300 Alabamians who have died from COVID-19.

Protesters Not Allowed Into Birmingham Council Meeting To Speak On Drastic Cuts To The Library Budget

Protesters gathered outside Birmingham City Hall on Tuesday morning, but they weren’t allowed to speak at the City Council meeting going on three stories above them.

Doug Jones: Supreme Court Nomination Is ‘A Political Power Play’

Debate over the future of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat is the latest political clash. The divide is reflected in Alabama too.

New Book From NPR’s Guy Raz Draws Lessons From Entrepreneurs

The podcast "How I Built This" follows entrepreneurs' ups and downs. In his new book, Guy Raz shares what he's gleaned from inspiring company founders and reflects on his own life.

Gov. Kay Ivey Surveys Aftermath of Hurricane Sally

"It’s really, really bad. I think that I only saw two piers that were still standing. The rest are just sticks in the water," said Gov. Ivey.

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Away As Hurricane Sally Cleanup Begins

One person died from the storm as forecasters warn rivers will remain flooded into the weekend.

Birmingham City Council Seeks Halt To Closing Of Recreation Centers

A proposal to close 12 of Birmingham's recreation centers is facing pushback by city council members.

Woodfin’s Constantly Changing Budget Leaves Library Board, City Council to Wonder: “What the Heck Is Going On?”

A proposed budget for the city of Birmingham wants to cut funding to the Birmingham Public Library for the third time.

Hurricane Sally Affects The Environmentally Fragile Alabama Coastline

Dauphin Island was hard hit by Hurricane Sally causing flooding on the already nearly two mile wide island. But the effects of climate change on the island have been taking place for years.